Heading into 2022 wine is so much more than how it tastes in the glass. The politics in the bottle (or more sustainable packaging) are more than a passing thought for most wine-drinkers. They want to know about what does and doesn’t happen in the vineyard. Organic, biodynamic, regenerative, sustainable, additive-free, low-intervention are no longer mere buzz words.
Above all, wine consumers want to know more about the whole process. How a label uses water and energy and how the product is shipped. Does the vineyard use renewable energy? Is the wine bottled in recycled glass and recyclable packaging?
Significantly, younger drinkers demand more from producers and winemakers. With a push towards health even in the alcohol we drink, we’re turning away from the big wines of the past and searching out lighter more food-friendly drops.
Now that we’ve reached peak silly season this article is designed to make your Christmas drinks menu more sustainable and lighter.
Wine purists look away now. Here is bottle-quality wine in a bag and in a can, a lighter red that loves some time in the fridge and the latest Aussie Prosecco.
Yarra Burn Spritzes
A recent DrinkWise survey of 3,000 Australians found a third (32%) have reduced their alcohol consumption and are looking for lower and non-alcoholic drinks both online and in liquor outlets.
Yarra Burn listened to the people and these 9% alcohol by volume in a 100% recyclable can is the result.
The Yarra Burn label has always been a guarantee of affordable, sophisticated, sparkling Australian wine. Prosecco, Premium Cuvee Brut and Rosé and Vintage Pinot Noir Chardonnay Pinot Meunier are now joined by Yarra Burn Spritzes – in a can.
Better still, Yarra Burn’s spritzed wines are available in four styles: Prosecco, Prosecco Spritz with Orange Bitters, Rose Spritz and Cuvee Spritz. Drink over ice or share chilled. Your Christmas drinks list suddenly got a whole lot better.
Cupio Bagnums
Look! Is it a bag? Is it a bottle? No, it’s a bagnum. Think a wine cask sans the box. Never, ever a goon bag. Cupio bagnums have 2 bottles of the good stuff you usually buy in a bottle all in a convenient, kinder to the environment, bag. It is quite simply a meeting of wine bag and magnum.
Lighten the load for picnics and barbecues. Without the glass, they are perfect poolside. The bagnum’s time has come. Unlike glass bottles that generate a big carbon footprint, bagnums are 20% lighter than a standard wine bottle
Also, Cupio bagnums equal 2 bottles that stay fresh for 30 days in the fridge and are fridge-door-friendly. Additionally, the easy-to-open and pour closure makes it a cinch to pour a glass for one or two. And there’s an in-built handle!
Cupio’s Dry Pinot Rosé is part of Australia’s Rosé Revolution – dry, crisp and juicy with hints of berry. Sub it for a good sparkling as an aperitif with charcuterie boards or with mains such as chicken and grilled fish. It’s also vegan friendly.
St Hallett Blockhead Shiraz Nouveau
Thirsty to explore lighter wine styles, Australians are looking beyond crisp whites and rosé. Like their white and pink counterparts, reds are now being made to enjoy in the same year as the grapes were harvested.
When room temperature soars to over 33 degrees in a typical Aussie summer, the ideal temperature to enjoy a lighter style red is between 15 and 18 degrees.
This isn’t your Grandpa’s Shiraz – it’s lighter and softer than a traditional Shiraz. St Hallett Blockhead Shiraz Nouveau is a win-win for red drinkers at this time of year. Fruit-driven and vibrant this wine is elegant and lighter but with all that skilful winemaking that St Hallett is known for. Generous in flavour, this wine takes a well-considered leap into unknown territory for the winemakers. And they got it right.
Chilled, with ice or as a Sangria to remember for all the right reasons, this wine makes a fine addition to the festive dining table or Christmas drinks list.
Grant Burge Prosecco
Due to a Champagne shortage coupled with supply chain bottlenecks your favourite Christmas sparkler might not be on the shelves or in the fridge at your local. Online ordering isn’t faring any better.
Take it as a sign to change it up. Buy Australian
Omicron sure has interrupted most end-of-year plans. If it’s a less is more approach you’re looking for at this year’s Christmas lunch, NYE or any other holiday think Prosecco. And, if it’s just ‘eating leftovers on the couch while watching the Boxing Day Test’ moments think Prosecco.
Thinking Christmas morning Mimosas or Bellinis? Prosecco wins hands down over French fizz. The Prosecco process is different to Champagne. After the original table wine is made, further fermentation is done in large tanks – not individual bottles. The result? A bubbly wine that is bright and fresh with real fruit flavours. Perfect for fruit-based fizzy cocktails.
Famed Barossa winemaker Grant Burge has created two new Prosecco wines – a Grant Burge Prosecco NV and Prosecco Rosé. These summer sparklers are crafted from Glera grapes sourced from cool-climate regions across south-eastern Australia.
Slightly lower alcohol (ABV 11.5%) makes these two new Grant Burge drops will suit all holiday occasions from aperitif to fruity desserts.
This Magnificent Life wishes all our readers a sustainable, convenient, lighter and bubbly Christmas.
Disclaimer: This Magnificent Life was gifted these wines.
